Washington & Jefferson Names New Assistant Lacrosse Coaches

WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Washington & Jefferson College Director of Athletics Bill Dukett announced that two assistant lacrosse coaches have been added to the athletics staff on Thursday. Sammy Seidenberg has been selected as the men's assistant coach, while Alison Valerio was named as women's assistant coach.

Seidenberg graduated from Humboldt State (Calif.) in 2010 where he was a three-year starter and team captain for the Jacks' club lacrosse team. During his time at Humboldt State, Seidenberg helped start the women's club team and led the team to a 3-3 record during his only season as head coach. Seidenberg also coached the Oak Park High School and Oak Park Starz club lacrosse teams in California for two seasons.

"Sammy is a great young coach who will work with our goalies and defense," said Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Daniel Usaj. "With his connections in the state of California, he will help expand our recruiting base with some of the talented players on the west coast. He also brings an extensive background in film study which will enhance our ability to break down practice and games."

Valerio was a four-year letter winner on the NCAA Division I Niagara University women's lacrosse team. She graduated with magna cum laude honors in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in education and earned a master's degree in the same field from Niagara in 2012. During her time with the Purple Eagles, Valerio was a four-time Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic Team selection.

"It gives me great pleasure to welcome Alison to the Washington & Jefferson lacrosse family. Not only is she knowledgeable, she exudes a passion for the game which will excite our student-athletes and create a positive practice environment," said Head Coach Tracy Coyne. "I have every confidence that the players will benefit tremendously from Alison's ability to teach the latest techniques and strategies in the game. The skill set Allison brings with her as a Division I player and coach will be a huge asset as we continue to develop a lacrosse program that is striving for national recognition."

Valerio spent the 2011-12 academic year as an assistant coach with the Niagara lacrosse staff. She assisted with the coordination of practice and game preparation as well as facilitating team meetings, workout sessions and creating opponent scouting reports.